Uber’s Lost & Found Index: A Quirky Look at Robotaxi Rides
For the last decade, Uber’s annual Lost & Found Index has painted an amusing picture of the everyday lives of its riders. Each year, it catalogs a myriad of forgotten items, ranging from the expected—like smartphones and laptops—to the bizarre, such as live fish, an ankle monitor, and even a single Louboutin shoe.
This year, Uber added a new twist to its report by incorporating insights from its growing fleet of robotaxis. According to a statement from the company, thousands of items—still a fledgling figure compared to previous years—have been left behind in these self-driving vehicles over the past 12 months. The inventory includes not just phones and wallets, but also some truly unusual finds: a set of dentures, a bag proclaiming “I Heart Hot Dads,” and a blue hat reading “Emotional Support Human.”
Business Opportunities in Lost Items
Beyond the humor of lost possessions lies a minor yet intriguing business opportunity. Even in the era of robot taxis, the onus of returning forgotten items remains a priority for Uber. With their existing support networks, the company has methods in place for riders to reclaim belongings left behind in robotaxis.
Uber’s Expansion into Autonomous Vehicles
Uber has increasingly partnered with various autonomous vehicle (AV) technology companies over the past years. The launch of the “Waymo on Uber” service in Austin in March 2025 marked a significant milestone for the company’s AV venture, with additional services subsequently launching in Atlanta too. Furthermore, Uber has embraced other AV companies into its app, including Motional in Las Vegas and Avride in Dallas, although these still employ human safety operators at the helm.
The discovery of thousands of lost items in just a year indicates a robust number of robotaxi rides taking place through Uber’s platform. Notably, the Lost & Found Index also features intriguing lost items like a 15-pound yo-yo, a large black marble duck, a Squishmallow, and a Charli XCX poster.
How to Recover Lost Items on Uber
When passengers leave belongings in robotaxis, retrieving them is straightforward. Riders need to navigate the app, click on the activity tab, select the trip where the item was lost, and reach out to customer support. Communication can be via messaging, chat, or phone call. If the item is found, riders are presented with two choices: pay $15 for an Uber Courier to deliver it the same day, or pick it up directly from the Av depot where vehicles are stored and serviced.
Uber Courier is a rebranding of a previous service called Uber Connect, which enabled local package and personal item deliveries. However, Uber envisions more for its robotaxi support system than just repurposing its existing features.
The Future of Uber’s Autonomous Services
As part of its long-term strategy, Uber has established a new division called Uber Autonomous Solutions. This division aims to streamline operations for companies looking to manage robotaxi, self-driving truck, or sidewalk delivery robot services. It encompasses software and support for those looking to dive into the world of autonomous transportation.
Uber clearly sees AVs as a vital revenue source for the future. The company plans to expand robotaxi services through its app in up to 15 cities worldwide by the end of the year and envisions becoming the premier facilitator of AV trips globally by 2029.
Conclusion
Uber’s Lost & Found Index not only sheds light on the peculiarities of human behavior but also highlights the changes in transportation as it incorporates innovative technologies like robotaxis. As the landscape of ride-hailing shifts, Uber appears well-prepared to ensure that lost items can still find their way back home, even when there’s no driver behind the wheel.
